WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(05)/6 
12 December 2005 
 (05-5871) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Sixth Session 
Hong Kong, 13 – 18 December 2005 Original:   English 
 
 
 
 
CREATING AN UPWARD SPIRAL OF TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT -  
JAPAN'S NEW DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR THE 
WTO HONG KONG MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
 
Communication from Japan  
 
  The following communication, dated 9 December 2005, is being circulated at the request of 
the delegation of Japan.  
_______________ 
 
  Japan has decided to announce a comprehens ive "development initiative" on the occasion of 
the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference with a view  to promoting the empowerment of developing 
countries through the Doha Round and help them reap the benefits of the multilateral trading system. 
  In this initiative, Japan expr esses its commitment to provide duty-free and quota-free market 
access for essentially all products originating from al l LDCs.  This initiative also includes a package 
of extensive development assistance, which is com posed of four methods of support:  "Knowledge 
and Technology", "Financial Assistance", "People" and "System" to be employed at three different 
phases of trading by developing countries:  "Produce"  "Sell" and "Buy".  As part of the Japanese 
ODA Initiative announced at the G8 Gleneagles Summit,  ten billion US dollars in financial assistance 
in trade, production, and distribution infrastructure will be provided over the next three years.  There 
will be an exchange of a total of ten thousand tr ainees and experts in these fields during the same 
period. 
 
 For the developing countries to develop their trade, firstly their production capacity should 
grow.  Secondly, their products must proceed with greater ease to their ports to be shipped abroad. 
Thirdly, and then ultimately, they must find cons umers in overseas markets.   The Japanese package 
aims to leave not a single one of these three crucia l links missed so that the chain of commerce can 
function well in the developing countries.  
  
Achieving an ambitious and balanced result of the WTO Doha Development Agenda is 
extremely important in reducing poverty through economic growth and achieving the MDG targets. 
Japan will continue to contribute actively to the success of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference and 
the DDA round, which in turn will lead to the stability  and prosperity of deve loping countries and of 
the world as a whole.  
  
 
 WT/MIN(05)/6 
Page 2  
Japan’s New Development Initiative for Trade
3 Pillars
PRODUCE
SELL
BUYSupply-side support 
in production and processing 
that benefit those engaged
in farming, forestry, fishing and
operation of SMEs and 
micro- businesses
Distribution and export support 
that directly benefits producers 
including assisting establishment 
of marketing channels
Duty-free quota-free 
access for LDCs
Positive differentiation of 
LDC products
Response to erosion of 
preferential marginKnowledge, Technology
Financial Assistance
PeopleDuty- free and 
quota-free
access for LDCs
Enhancement
of productivity
Expansion of
marketing channels
Export promotion
Expansion of South-
South trade
Support through 
neighboring countries
Partnership
with NGOs and 
private sector • Technical cooperation
• Information exchange among farmers
• Use of private-sector knowledge
• Concessionary loans 
for Infrastructure
• Grant aid
• Dispatch of experts
• Acceptance of trainees
• Preferential tariffs
• Trade and investment 
insurance 
• Coordination with 
Integrated Framework (IF)Methods
Close consultation on 
assistance with 
developing countriesSystems3 Pillars
PRODUCE
SELL
BUYSupply-side support 
in production and processing 
that benefit those engaged
in farming, forestry, fishing and
operation of SMEs and 
micro- businesses
Distribution and export support 
that directly benefits producers 
including assisting establishment 
of marketing channels
Duty-free quota-free 
access for LDCs
Positive differentiation of 
LDC products
Response to erosion of 
preferential marginKnowledge, Technology
Financial Assistance
PeopleDuty- free and 
quota-free
access for LDCs
Enhancement
of productivity
Expansion of
marketing channels
Export promotion
Expansion of South-
South trade
Support through 
neighboring countries
Partnership
with NGOs and 
private sector • Technical cooperation
• Information exchange among farmers
• Use of private-sector knowledge
• Concessionary loans 
for Infrastructure
• Grant aid
• Dispatch of experts
• Acceptance of trainees
• Preferential tariffs
• Trade and investment 
insurance 
• Coordination with 
Integrated Framework (IF)Methods
Close consultation on 
assistance with 
developing countriesSystems 
  WT/MIN(05)/6
 Page 3 
PRODUCE
Supply-side support 
in production and 
processing that
benefit those engaged 
in farming, forestry, 
fishing, and operation 
of SMEs and 
micro- businessesVillage Initiative
• Comprehensive support for higher living standards and autonomy of regional 
villages through infrastructure improvement and capacity development 
Enhancement of Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Productivity
• Dissemination of NERICA rice in Africa and promotion of fruits and cash 
crops• Agricultural infrastructure improvements, such as farm roads, irrigation 
systems, and processing facilities
• Assistance in self-supply of  plows, hoes, pushcarts and other farming and transport equipment • Support for organized farming (cooperation among agricultural cooperatives)• Partnership with international organizations (WFP, CGIAR, FAO, UNDP, etc.) 
and development of agricultural researchers
• Assistance for LDCs through neighboring countries and through South-South cooperation• Development of fishing ports and villages and strengthening of aquaculture and sustainable management of marine resources• Cooperation in the forestry sector, including afforestation, nurturing of 
seedlings, and forest preservation
Helping Africa Learn from Asia’s Experience
• Dispatch of Asian Young Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
• Dissemination of experience and good practice of the  Asian productivity 
movement  to Africa
Aid Package for Cotton Producing and Small-Scale Economies
• Combined package for agricultural diversification, including policy advice, 
infrastructure improvements, and technical cooperation. 
Assistance for SME and Micro-businesses
• Product development assistance for processed agricultural, forest and fish 
products, etc.• Private-sector assistance through EPSA for Africa
Assistance with Designation, Introduction of Export Products
• Direct survey, project research and formulationJBIC Policy Recommendations (Bluebook)
• Policy recommendations on institutional reform for Uganda, Kenya, and 
Tanzania to promote trade and investment (also scheduled in Ghana)Knowledge,
Technology
• Technical cooperation
• Information exchange
among farmers (incl. JA)
(*3Js = JICA, JBIC, and JETRO)Financial
Assistance
•Concessionary loans
for Infrastructure 
• Grant aid, incl. for
grassroots projects
People
• Dispatch of experts
(coordination with 
Senior Volunteers)
• Acceptance of trainees
Systems
•Partnership with IF
• Utilization of 3Js*PRODUCE
Supply-side support 
in production and 
processing that
benefit those engaged 
in farming, forestry, 
fishing, and operation 
of SMEs and 
micro- businessesVillage Initiative
• Comprehensive support for higher living standards and autonomy of regional 
villages through infrastructure improvement and capacity development 
Enhancement of Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Productivity
• Dissemination of NERICA rice in Africa and promotion of fruits and cash 
crops• Agricultural infrastructure improvements, such as farm roads, irrigation 
systems, and processing facilities
• Assistance in self-supply of  plows, hoes, pushcarts and other farming and transport equipment • Support for organized farming (cooperation among agricultural cooperatives)• Partnership with international organizations (WFP, CGIAR, FAO, UNDP, etc.) 
and development of agricultural researchers
• Assistance for LDCs through neighboring countries and through South-South cooperation• Development of fishing ports and villages and strengthening of aquaculture and sustainable management of marine resources• Cooperation in the forestry sector, including afforestation, nurturing of 
seedlings, and forest preservation
Helping Africa Learn from Asia’s Experience
• Dispatch of Asian Young Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
• Dissemination of experience and good practice of the  Asian productivity 
movement  to Africa
Aid Package for Cotton Producing and Small-Scale Economies
• Combined package for agricultural diversification, including policy advice, 
infrastructure improvements, and technical cooperation. 
Assistance for SME and Micro-businesses
• Product development assistance for processed agricultural, forest and fish 
products, etc.• Private-sector assistance through EPSA for Africa
Assistance with Designation, Introduction of Export Products
• Direct survey, project research and formulationJBIC Policy Recommendations (Bluebook)
• Policy recommendations on institutional reform for Uganda, Kenya, and 
Tanzania to promote trade and investment (also scheduled in Ghana)Knowledge,
Technology
• Technical cooperation
• Information exchange
among farmers (incl. JA)
(*3Js = JICA, JBIC, and JETRO)Financial
Assistance
•Concessionary loans
for Infrastructure 
• Grant aid, incl. for
grassroots projects
People
• Dispatch of experts
(coordination with 
Senior Volunteers)
• Acceptance of trainees
Systems
•Partnership with IF
• Utilization of 3Js* 
 
 WT/MIN(05)/6 
Page 4  
Assistance for SME and Micro-businesses
• “One-village, one-product” initiative (product development and export 
promotion)
• Development of SME and Micro-business managers
Improvement of Markets, Roads, Harbors, and Other Infrastructure
• Improvement of transport networks; farming, forestry, and fishing 
markets; and processing-distribution facilities to reinforce links between 
villages, cities, and harbors
Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA for Africa)
• Providing up to $1.2 billion over five years to foster SMEs and micro-
businesses and improve investment climate in partnership with the African 
Development Bank Group
Distribution and Preservation Assistance
• Technical cooperation regarding refrigeration, freezing, and distribution
Comprehensive Assistance for WTO Agreement Implementation 
Capacity Development 
• Assistance with implementation of trade-related systems and 
development of specialists• Development of specialists on sanitary and phytosanitary measures
• Contribution to the Global Trust Fund
Assistance with Establishment of Marketing Channels and Exports
• Export promotion through partnership with trading companies and NGOs 
(e.g., sale of LDC-produced flowers or fruits to third countries)
• Promotion of personnel exchange among private companies
• Assistance for increasing local procurement ratios and establishment of export promotion organizations• Provision of information to supermarkets and other distribution firms in Japan
• Export expansion through assistance for enhanced information access 
(through the use of IT networks)
Relaxation ofTerms of Coverage by Nippon Export and Investment 
Insurance (NEXI)
• Assistance through expanded terms of coverage towards Africa
(*3Js = JICA, JBIC, and JETRO)SELL
Distribution and 
export support 
that directly benefits 
producers including 
assisting establishment of 
marketing channelsKnowledge,
technology
• Technical cooperation
• Information exchange
among farmers (incl. JA)
Financial
Assistance
•Concessionary loans
for Infrastructure 
• Grant aid, incl. for
grassroots projects
People
• Dispatch of experts
(coordination with 
Senior Volunteers)
• Acceptance of trainees
Systems
•Partnership with IF
•Trade insurance
• Utilization of 3Js*Assistance for SME and Micro-businesses
• “One-village, one-product” initiative (product development and export 
promotion)
• Development of SME and Micro-business managers
Improvement of Markets, Roads, Harbors, and Other Infrastructure
• Improvement of transport networks; farming, forestry, and fishing 
markets; and processing-distribution facilities to reinforce links between 
villages, cities, and harbors
Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA for Africa)
• Providing up to $1.2 billion over five years to foster SMEs and micro-
businesses and improve investment climate in partnership with the African 
Development Bank Group
Distribution and Preservation Assistance
• Technical cooperation regarding refrigeration, freezing, and distribution
Comprehensive Assistance for WTO Agreement Implementation 
Capacity Development 
• Assistance with implementation of trade-related systems and 
development of specialists• Development of specialists on sanitary and phytosanitary measures
• Contribution to the Global Trust Fund
Assistance with Establishment of Marketing Channels and Exports
• Export promotion through partnership with trading companies and NGOs 
(e.g., sale of LDC-produced flowers or fruits to third countries)
• Promotion of personnel exchange among private companies
• Assistance for increasing local procurement ratios and establishment of export promotion organizations• Provision of information to supermarkets and other distribution firms in Japan
• Export expansion through assistance for enhanced information access 
(through the use of IT networks)
Relaxation ofTerms of Coverage by Nippon Export and Investment 
Insurance (NEXI)
• Assistance through expanded terms of coverage towards Africa
(*3Js = JICA, JBIC, and JETRO)SELL
Distribution and 
export support 
that directly benefits 
producers including 
assisting establishment of 
marketing channelsKnowledge,
technology
• Technical cooperation
• Information exchange
among farmers (incl. JA)
Financial
Assistance
•Concessionary loans
for Infrastructure 
• Grant aid, incl. for
grassroots projects
People
• Dispatch of experts
(coordination with 
Senior Volunteers)
• Acceptance of trainees
Systems
•Partnership with IF
•Trade insurance
• Utilization of 3Js* 
  WT/MIN(05)/6
 Page 5 
 
 
     
 
    
 
    
 
     
 
    
 
     
 
 BUY
Duty-free and quota-free 
access for LDCs
Positive differentiation of 
LDC products
Response to erosion of 
preferential marginDuty-Free and Quota-Free Access for 
LDCs
•Providing duty free and quota free market access 
for essentially all products originating from all LDCs
Response to Erosion of Preferential 
Margins
• Hosting of symposiums
• Assistance for South-South trade
• Cooperation in market cultivation and sharing of 
market information• Expansion of production and trade through 
technical cooperation
Establishing “Development Aid”
Brands for LDC Products
• Positive differentiation of LDC products through partnership with NGOs and the private sector
Developing New Markets in Japan
• “One village, one product” initiative
(Promotion of exports to Japan and other countries 
through assistance for trade exhibitions of 
processed farm and fish products from LDCs.)Knowledge,
Technology
• Technical cooperation
• Partnership with trading
firms and NGOs
Systems
• Preferential tariffsPeople
• Dispatch of experts
(coordination with 
Senior Volunteers)
• Acceptance of traineesBUY
Duty-free and quota-free 
access for LDCs
Positive differentiation of 
LDC products
Response to erosion of 
preferential marginDuty-Free and Quota-Free Access for 
LDCs
•Providing duty free and quota free market access 
for essentially all products originating from all LDCs
Response to Erosion of Preferential 
Margins
• Hosting of symposiums
• Assistance for South-South trade
• Cooperation in market cultivation and sharing of 
market information• Expansion of production and trade through 
technical cooperation
Establishing “Development Aid”
Brands for LDC Products
• Positive differentiation of LDC products through partnership with NGOs and the private sector
Developing New Markets in Japan
• “One village, one product” initiative
(Promotion of exports to Japan and other countries 
through assistance for trade exhibitions of 
processed farm and fish products from LDCs.)Knowledge,
Technology
• Technical cooperation
• Partnership with trading
firms and NGOs
Systems
• Preferential tariffsPeople
• Dispatch of experts
(coordination with 
Senior Volunteers)
• Acceptance of trainees